Armistice Day and the Battle of Casablanca

[@wacoflyer]

My father, at a mere 18 years old, fought as an US Army infantryman in Operation Torch. He was seriously wounded by machine gun fire and subsequently picked up by the Germans. After a short stay in a German field hospital, he was transported well behind the lines to a Tunisian hospital. He spent almost a year there, surviving on stale dark bread and water until Allied forces liberated the area and he was repatriated. My father was now emaciated and at less than 100 pounds was in grave condition so he was quickly shipped to Walter Reed Hospital in DC to recover. After a long and painful recovery, he was finally released from the hospital and subsequently discharged with honors from the service. With his considerable back pay, he purchased a shiny new 1947 Buick convertible and travelled throughout the US to see firsthand the great land he had dearly defended. Armand passed away in 1983. I loved that man and still miss him to this day. Thank You Dad and all other servicemembers for your sacrifices so we may remain free!

[@chuckvt5196]

@@martymethuselah North Africa was invaded by the French. It was not their homeland...and so it goes...

[@highpower3006]

@@martymethuselah bitter little man.......

[@chuckvt5196]

@@martymethuselah My point exactly...from Homo Sapiens invading Neanderthal territory..it never ends.

[@highpower3006]

@@martymethuselah Poor, poor bitter little man.........

[@highpower3006]

@@martymethuselah You sad little boy, crying all by yourself. Too bad, so sad :(

[@Paladin1873]

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. (Laurence Binyon 1869 - 1943)

[@Ron52G]

@@martymethuselah You Marxist have never massacred anyone. LOL Over 100 million and counting in your brief existence.

[@Ron52G]

@@martymethuselah It was you and your maxist buddies in France that caused WW2. Stop smoking meth and read real history. In 2005 dollars the US spent $29.3 billion to rebuild Germany from 1946-1952. In 2005 dollars the US spent $15.2 billion rebuilding Japan. How much aid did your miserable little country spend to help?

[@ronfullerton3162]

@@martymethuselah You are truly upset with the U.S. position at the moment. But many other nations and groups are just as guilty of being the "war machine" and dragging the people of the world into armed conflict. Yes, all of us would like nothing better than see leaders and politicians who have killed some many good people with their greed and desires come to their just deserts. But try to remember that veterans day is for those average "Joe's" who were conscripted and dragged into all wars to fight for their nation. They did it because they felt it was their duty to fight for their nation. They didn't want to kill others, they didn't want to destroy economies or countries. They would of gladly lives their lives without a war and had others left alone to live their lives. They then live out the rest of their lives revisiting the horrors and nightmares of the wars they fought. Veterans day is for them, and not the politicians, leaders, going ho military types or anyone else who relishes war. Please give respect for the veterans, and save the hate for those that really deserve it.

[@ronfullerton3162]

@@martymethuselah Most all the soldiers from all the involved countries would of been happy to! All of them had far better lives to live and families to enjoy. But we have those in power all over the world who are ready to let others die to feed their desire for power and wealth. But your take on the U.S. staying out of both wars is a topic that would prove to be very interesting. What would of been the historical outcome of the world? I would love to see the History Guy or anyone else who has good knowledge of world affairs speculate over the outcome of such a happening. there is no doubt that the world would possibly be a whole different ball game today.

[@ronfullerton3162]

@@martymethuselah The U.S. had the draft in world war two, but they got most of the people they needed through volunteer. My father still had his old draft card from that time. He was deferred due to being a farmer. I knew several men that had been found 4F and had worked hard at home to keep the country going. The suiside might of been a problem in other places, but in the rural Midwest every man left behind found themselves much needed and appreciated. Once again politics entered. Most of the world had clawed there way out of the depression before the second world war. But the U.S. was still in it. Supplying goods to all war participants got the economy rolling again. And the greed for the money to be made by supplying everybody brought us right into the crosshairs of war participants. Politicians played their little games, and we were sucked in.

[@JCs-Music]

One of the first “thank you” I’ve heard in a very long time that rang true. Thank you for making the video.

[@joedunbarjr]

I get so tired of the obligatory "thank you" from people that have NO idea. It was so refreshing to receive a sincere and honest "Thank You". You could tell he meant it !!!

[@BillB23]

@@joedunbarjr I never served. When I dropped my deferment in 1972 my number was 206 and they only called to 190. However, my dad fought at the Bulge, and had 3 battle stars on his campaign medal. When I was young and I asked him, "Daddy, did you fight in the war?" He'd answer "I fought and I fought but they still made me go." I did not begin to appreciate that until my friends began to be sent to Viet Nam. When he came to the end of his time on earth he began to open up about what had given him nightmares for 40+ years. Thank you, sincerely and humbly, to all who have served.

[@docclabo6350]

@@joedunbarjr Obviously, nobody who didn't serve in the armed forces can understand what it was like to serve, but rest assured that there are many, many of us who did/could not join the military who are sincerely appreciative nevertheless.

[@timtimm9199]

Thank you to all my brothers and sisters that served. My brothers I still see all your goofy faces. To those gone down range your memory never dims.

[@stevek8829]

@@docclabo6350 even in WWII between D day and VE day only 15% were front line troops. Their experience was different than the other 85%.

[@annayosh]

One more detail that might be worth noticing: A mere 2 months after the battle, Casablanca was the stage for the Conference of Casablanca, in which Roosevelt and Churchill agreed that only an unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany would be an acceptable end to the war.

[@SteelyPaw]

Yeah but I think only of their armed forces were made to surrender unconditionally, not the entire country. Why we don't own Germany and Japan today is beyond me, a lot of soldiers, and navy guys paid that price with their lives, especially that sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and the hey day of the German U-boats torpedoing unarmed merchant ships in wolf packs. Of course Americans died in all theaters of the war too, so not forgetting them. Some died a horrible death, trapped in a ship, burned alive in oil in the freezing water, etc.. However, today we don't own either country or even dictate to it. Why we didn't bomb Germany early in 1941 or 42 when they were building "over weight" pocket battle ships and submarines against the treaty signed in WWI is also beyond my comprehension.

[@saltysquatch1510]

Pete_ Hine_Of_PA hindsight is always 20/20 but looking back its still a bit fuzzy- Dave Mustaine

[@Andrew-13579]

The difference between conquerors and liberators.

[@Purvis-dw4qf]

Of that declaration prolonged the war since the Germans knew that even if they got rid of Hitler FDR would not negotiate.

[@SteelyPaw]

@UC50OP65nhb9ERkE-1dpB4ng My dad spent 4 years in the Navy on a destroyer in the North Atlantic, realize how cold it was and the endless days of chipping ice off a slippery deck with big waves washing over the deck and being in combat. I agree with you, with the Germans being the worse, they worked people to the bone then killed them when they got sick from no food and the harsh weather including Russia. At the time Russia was a friend or ally to the USA. Also the concentration camps, killing most of the Jews when they did nothing at all but live in Germany. As far as I know, the Jews were neutral and not working with USA or Russia or anyone else. Since they were a different race as Hitler was obsessed with 'racial purity'. He used the word 'Aryan' to describe his idea of a 'pure German race, he exterminated anyone that did not fit his ideology.

[@MentalSpidec]

I met a veteran in London yesterday, an old man dying from cancer he still had a smile on his face. He told me about his service in the Falklands Conflict and how his decades of service had made his family proud. He told me about his family and friends. He never stopped smiling the whole time. I had to ask why he was so happy on such a sober occasion, he replied that it gave him an opportunity to tell his friends he was going to stay in Australia with his ex to go out with the vigour of a young man (one can assume what is implied here haha)! These veterans are normal people with colourful lives that we should never forget.

[@getredytagetredy]

George Atkin-Hill ...Yeah, pirate British stealing Argentina's land and resources...Argentina was defending their homeland just like America was in1776...but the comments will spin it and twist it till the British Bankers are the victims...

[@MentalSpidec]

getredytagetredy Sir, kindly take your opinion and keep it to yourself. This is not the time or place to debate geo-politics as we take time to mourn our dead and remember loved ones. Revel in the story of one man that I have shared but do not insult his service in order to pursue a personal belief of your own. Thank you.

[@ronfullerton3162]

Those old service men had such a wonderful outlook and love of life. And as I grew up, my elders at work and play were those who lived through the depression, then right into the second world war. They didn't have hardly anything to their name, and times were tough. And yet, what an appreciation for the life they had! Time spent with them were special moments in my life. I wish that I could infect everyone on Earth today with that attitude and humanity of those wonderful people.

[@davidschwartz5127]

@@getredytagetredy How many Falkland Islands people were making up the forces that were fighting the British were there?

[@itsjohndell]

@@MentalSpidec Well said Sir, well Said. This isn't the day for that.

[@phillipjones3342]

As a veteran I appreciate the stories and history that deserves to be remembered thank you sir for the videos and the research that you do to tell them

[@webbtrekker534]

As another Vet, I, also appreciate having my service acknowledged. THG does a great job putting together his research.

[@michaelgolch]

Bless You Brother!

[@TheBorderRyker]

My Dad served behind Japanese lines in Burma with The Chindits (two tours). He was, and always will be, my hero. My uncles served in Burma, North Africa and Europe. I served with the Royal Engineers during “The Troubles” and the Bosnian conflict. Later I joined the Northumberland Fusileers and we became the first western troops to train with a former communist force in the Czech Republic. One of my Daughters is now in the process of joining the Northumberland Fusileers too. Thank you for another wonderful episode and for such a sincere vote of thanks to all who have and those who continue to serve. I pray, as all soldiers do, that one day the guns will fall silent forever.

[@shawnr771]

Thank you to all the veterans who have served. Both my grandfathers served in WW2. Along with numerous great uncles. My dad in the Navy of the late 1950s. My uncle in Vietnam. Myself, US Army 1986-1992.

[@richardmourdock2719]

I'm certainly your senior by a few years, but both my parents served in the Navy during WWII. Thinking of them today as they were recently laid to rest in the National Military Cemetery near Woodstock, GA.

[@Kitiwake]

Just so that you know, the british army put 300,000 troops in northern Ireland over the course of the troubles and used them to suppress dissention and maintain a statelet that discriminated against half of it's citizens for all of those years.

[@getredytagetredy]

Pat Aherne ....Thats Right...I concur...And When Nathan Rothschild scammed Britain out of the the Bank of England..in1815..Rothschilds pirates sailed the 7 seas pirating, looting, stealing and murdering anyone that kept them from profit and greed....

[@radarmike6713]

Thank you for honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by all soldiers and service members. I as a Vet feel your thank you was the most heartfelt in many many years.

[@bharn253]

I Agree and thank you for sharing another piece of history that deserves to be remembered.

[@HemlockRidge]

And I. From a US Navy vet.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

From one to another thank you for your service to our country.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

@@HemlockRidge from one to another thank you for your service to our country. My best friend since grade school served on the uss Elliott dd907 and another at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station

[@bonescdxx]

My father was stationed at NAS Port Lyautey in the early 60's. We lived there almost 4 years. My first memories are from there, and my younger brother and one of my sisters was born there. I've always been interested in the history of U.S.- Moroccan relations. A very beautiful country, and a beautiful people.

[@johnuser5162]

I've actually slept on the Massachusetts, as it is now a museum ship that lets groups sleep there overnight. She's a fine ship, still even showing a scar she got from an artillery shell from this battle. An amazing little piece of history, I'd say.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

yes! "Big Mamie"!! "Battleship Cove" at Fall River. My paternal grandfather helped build her..

[@999torino]

I believe she was hit by the Jean Bart, IIRC.

[@MrScott1171]

HazMatt Container she was hit by an 8 inch shell from a shore battery. Jean Bart did not hit her.

[@havoc1482]

Battleship Cove! I slept in the Massachusetts too as a Boy Scout trip

[@davidjean2170]

HazMatt Container she was hit by the shore battery during the battle, however it was in the marines sleeping quarters which was empty at the time and the armored deck stopped the shell.

[@carolynhowk146]

Thank you to all our vets!

[@springer2112]

You're welcome.

[@adriang6259]

Aussie troops had to evict Vichy forces from Syria including the French Foreign Legion. Thank you to all those who served and are still serving and those who have risked and sacrificed their lives. A debt that can never be repaid.

[@adriang6259]

@colin minhinnick Yeah, I knew the 2nd AIF was part of a larger force. Sorry for the misdirection. It was all about the defeat of the Foreign Legion.

[@Dave_Sisson]

The Syrian campaign is also the only time Australian ski troops saw active service. They were in the Taurus Mountains of Lebanon.

[@springer2112]

You're welcome.

[@getredytagetredy]

Yeah...and thanks to the Syrian defenders of their country to have to fight off invaders that installed a central bank to plunder, gut and loot their economy...Just like America...Gee, only three more to go and the Khazar NWO will be flush with total world control of the sleeping sheep.

[@andrewerntell4775]

@@getredytagetredy Illuminati confirmed eh? You should be watching Alex Jones....

[@timbaumann9046]

As a retired member of our United States Armed Forces I wish to THANK YOU History Guy for ALL the episodes you do (let alone all the ones that concern the members of my family, aka. The U.S. Army & U.S. Navy). You have ALWAYS shown us RESPECT and DIGNITY every time. I don't think you'll ever know just how much we all appreciate these little stories you present to us. We can only say THANK YOU and hope that you know that this comes from the heart, always! God Bless you and your wonderful family History Guy!

[@ghostrideri6289]

As an American disabled veteran who served from the end of the Vietnam war to after the First Gulf War (1976-1992) I wish to thank you for helping us remember. As others have pointed out "Those who do not learn history are subject to repeating it." Also I cannot speak for all veterans when I say to you and your team Thank You, however, I feel most will agree. Please keep doing the good work you and your team do and Thank you and your team for not letting us forget.

[@michaelgolch]

Thank you for serving Brother. USAF 1971-1974 and was Proud to Follow in my Father's Footsteps

[@robertmorris2388]

My father lost a brother in the forests of France and my father saved lives in the battlefields of France as a corporal in the 101st air ambulance in the British military’s service from the Normandy invasions to the end of the war. I raise prayers of thanksgiving for the sacrifices of those who served and are serving. These and their family’s. Our freedoms, our very civilization rest on men and women gave all for this hope. Let’s not squander it, and stand up as a light and provider to the world.

[@gregtag874]

Indeed history that deserves to be remembered. Your videos are one of the highlights of my day. Thank YOU for your service as a historian and educator.

[@bobd9193]

I posted this message on an older video. So, not knowing if you would see the earlier post, and in the hope that you will now. I respectfully repost. On the off chance that you haven't noticed, which is highly unlikely due to the copious amount of comments you inspire. You, Sir, are a true national treasure. And I say this with the utmost respect, the way you bring history to life in front of your adoring fans is inspirational to us mere mortals. I always thought of myself as a fairly knowledgeable person when it came to history. You, my friend, have made me realize that I am but a babe in the woods. In order to keep the fawning to a minimum, let me close by saying that you are a master in your chosen profession, an inspiration to the huddled, unwashed masses and a true beacon of light and knowledge in a sea of ignorance. You deserve to be placed high upon a pedestal in the center of the history universe. In closing, let me say that I and countless others look forward to your videos with bated breath. As a retired/disabled Navy war veteran and an adamant fan, I wish to thank you for all you do to remind everyone of the sacrifices of our proud veterans. Kudos to you, your lovely wife and your incredible staff. Fair winds and following seas, Stay the course.

[@phillipdavidson7689]

So nice to see a mention of USS Suwannee, my father's ship. She had a distinguished combat record, but also the distinction of being one of the first to suffer a deliberate kamikaze attack.

[@papasteve215]

One of my great, great grandfathers was an officer in the Confederate Army, my grandfather fought in WW I. My father fought and was combat wounded in WW II. I fought in Vietnam and did four deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan as a DoS contractor. I so appreciate the History Guy. Thank you so much sir for all you do to keep history known for the folks who would not know this history. Thanks again sir

[@josephscarpaci3688]

My father was in the armor division command of a half track in the invasion of Casablanca. It was interesting to hear this telling!

[@KCODacey]

From a 26 year Vet, thank YOU, History Guy, for keeping history alive.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

From one to another thank you for your service to our country.

[@skychildoflight9867]

From all us vets to you THG and Mrs THG, thank you for honoring our service throughout the years with your most excellent historical work!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!

[@luciennerizk4549]

My father landed in Morocco with Operation Torch, and soon met my French mother, and my 3 brothers and I were born there and lived there for some time. He spoke to me about the operation a couple of years before his death at 93. It was very much as you talk about here! Part of his duties was to share the lighthouse with French sailors (one being my mother's cousin) and driving the commander wherever he needed to be. That's when my father decided he needed to know Arabic and French, and he quickly became fluent in both, in his own way. Not bad for a "hillbilly" from West Virginia!

[@rvasquez8057]

Another great story from the history rolls, just a side note. My mother, was born on 11/11/26 , she was always told by her father when she was a little girl, that the parades he took here to on Armistice day were all for her. She married my father who served during WWII in the 756th Tank Battalion and participated in the landings for operation Torch. My father told me that during the landings in North Africa, their transport ship came across a US Coast Guard Cutter that had been involved in action and was heavily damaged with many of her injured still laying upon her decks. A US Navy ship was attempting to give her assistance. It's a shame that the "War To End All Wars" was not successful and my have even fostered the seeds of the Second World War. You have a great channel and are a fabulous story teller. Please keep up the great work..... May True History never be forgotten....

[@pulaski1]

"That look", @12:04, and the pause, adds so much to THG presentations. .... As always, a wonderful presentation and summary of the episode being featured.

[@michaelgolch]

Thank you for your support. I was a member of The USAF 1971-1971 and the Proud Son of a WW2 veteran of the US Army Air Force and was in long enough for it to become the USAF!

[@olbradley]

Millions around the world cheered at this exact moment, 101 years, 8 minutes and 53 seconds ago.

[@Monster11B]

You honor us veterans with your recounting of past glories and wonderful tales of heroes that deserve to be remembered. I salute you, Sir.

[@jliller]

Jean Bart (and sister ship Richelieu) had such a fascinatingly unusual gun arrangement.

[@MichaelJohnson-lz7rk]

The History Guy needs no introduction from me, as we remember our veterans today, I think it wise to remember the scholars as well!! There are countless examples of great military leaders who consult with history scholars to formulate their plans!!! The history guy is one of those, & would be a true asset to any military leader!!😎👍

[@v.e.7236]

While I give a heart-felt "thank you" to all who have served, I find myself tearing up at the thought of so much senseless death and destruction. I always think about the statement/phrase, "United we stand. Divided we fall." WE, being every person on this planet. If WE don't come together, WE shall surely fall together. One species, One Fate.

[@springer2112]

Fuck you & your one world government! America first!

[@ronfullerton3162]

@@springer2112 It doesn't have to be one world government. If each country would just respect all other countries and territories rights to exist and go about their ways, it could be done.

[@v.e.7236]

@@springer2112 Where, in my comment, did I mention anything about a one world gov't.? Go take your Prozac.

[@v.e.7236]

@wargent99 Read my reply to @haters hating.

[@777rogerf]

@@v.e.7236 Look again. @ronfullerton was aimed at supporting, but not objecting to your position.

[@dennisriblett4622]

And We Thank You for keeping the Stories alive

[@xrayperforator]

The Armistice brought freedom to many European nations. Among them - Poland celebrating today The Independence Day 🇵🇱

[@barney6888]

Those who sit on the middle of the fence, make great target practice for both sides.

[@sunnyjim1355]

Which is why it's the noblest position to take, in opposition to extremism from wherever. English Classic Liberalism is the basis of any true modern Democracy, which the Founding Fathers embraced. Your welcome.

[@mattmorrisson9607]

I love this channel, HG. Thanks for the passionate and engaging content!

[@zodszoo]

Sincere, heartfelt thank you, Mr. History Guy

[@ryanrusch3976]

The History Guy seems so honest to me its honestly awe-inspiring.

[@ronriesinger7755]

Well done. My father, a World War II veteran, still lives and is actively engaged in commemorations of the end of the war. He organizes what we believe to be the only active commemoration of VJ Day in the US.

[@stanwolenski9541]

When I was stationed with the Army in Bristol, RI (1968-1970) VJ Day was a state holiday with a parade in the center of town. I don’t know if VJ Day is still remembered that way.

[@billcochran6374]

History is complicated. We tend to oversimplify it to make it easier to swallow, but that watered down, simplified version that we were taught in school and read about in magazines is usually very inaccurate. This video is a good example of just how complicated war can be. Forget about good guys and bad guys or one side against another. It’s never really clear in war who is fighting who. We don’t like confusion like that and we tend to gloss over it in our historical accounts. Thank you History Guy for taking the time to explain what really happened to those of us that want to learn.

[@kevinobrien1007]

Nice to see BB59, “Big Mamie”, the Massachusetts. I grew up in Fall River, Mass where she’s still there today, part of great museum. In the 70’s during a school tour we saw the actual charts showing her trip to Casablanca, and back. (Naval Reserve ship Purdy, DD734 used to berth behind her under the Braga Bridge, but the ship has been scrapped) Thanks for another outstanding job!

[@hipocampelofantocame]

As an old brown shoe (before cordovan) Army veteran with overseas European service, this video absolutely made my Armistice Day. You have my sincere thanks for showing that history is indeed important and should be a must learn in school. Kudos!

[@tonyk1584]

No limericks today. I served in the Army from 1967 to 1971 including a year in Nam from June 68 to June 69. It was not until 25 years later in Michigan that a woman saw my Vietnam Veteran's license plate while I was filling up my car with gas. She asked, "Were you there?" "Yes" I replied. "Thanks for your service " she said. I was stunned and called my wife to tell her what had just happened because it was such a rare event and I started crying. Now retired and living in South Carolina . The significant change in the national attitude towards Veterans nowadays compared to the post Vietnam era has resulted in my being told thanks for serving quite often, almost to the point of embarrassment. So... to The History Guy, thanks for the thanks and more over, thanks to you for this wonderful product that you churn with amazing frequency. As to no more limericks, I lied. The stuff that you put out, It's extreme erudition, I can only view with a sigh If I had a vote for the best stuff on KZbin, It would be for The History Guy

[@brianseward9099]

My grandfather was one of many who landed on the shores of North Africa during Operation Torch. He would have loved this video. Thank you for filming this!

[@analogman1496]

My Grandfather served in WWI as a Lt. in the Quartermasters Corps. I have a photograph of him in uniform taken at a studio in NYC after he completed his OCS regimen at Camp Meigs which was located in what is now the Anacostia section of Washington, D.C. My dad's brother was a Naval Aviator and served on the escort carrier the USS Makin Island CVE-93 from 1944 until the end of the war. Another uncle was a D-Day and Battle of the Bulge veteran. He was a Silver Star & Bronze Star recipient with 3 Purple Hearts and a CIB. He still had german grenade fragments in his back when he passed away at age 88 a number of years back. Talk to anyone who grew up in the war and they will tell you they had family, friends, or neighbors serving in the military. We all owe them a hearty thanks for their service!

[@frankfreeman1444]

A return Thank You for remembering. Eight years service including Vietnam. Currently hanging on in Thailand, still amongst the verticals! I enjoy your videos and your style. Frank

[@johntabler349]

Powerful as always my mother's father was a veteran of both world wars sadly he passed away when I was too young to remember his stories episodes like this make me feel like I know him a little better thanks

[@iracranky4970]

Enjoyed this video. My dad was with the 3rd Infantry Division and went ashore at Casablanca. History Guy confirmed to me some of the stories my dad told over the years. Keep up the good work!

[@danielcostello4041]

Nice show. And it was my honor and pleasure to serve. Please keep up the good work.

[@jamesbednar8625]

Great video!!!! Served 20 years in US Army 1981-2001. Like a lot of people mentioned in these messages, it is quite nice and heart warming to receive a GENUINE THANK YOU!!! Also, sir, a BIG THANK YOU to you and staff that put out these awesome historical video's!!!!! Please keep up the great work.

[@bjs301]

Thank you for another great video, and thank you for remembering the sacrifices of our veterans. My father served in the Pacific Theater until his military career was ended by a Japanese bomb. His injuries dogged him until he died in 1959. I don't remember my Dad, but I've always been awed and humbled by the sacrifices of him and the countless other men and women who gave up their youth, their health, and often their lives so that I, my children and grandchildren could live free today.

[@phil20_20]

Play it again, Sam. Really nice to have this part of the war covered. Thanks!

[@_endless_road_1413]

You tied it all together perfectly. Thank you for the video. Thank you to all the Veterans for their service.

[@h60rsqplt]

another excellent telling of a significant event in history!

[@scottsmith4612]

And thank for your service! This is my favorite channel.

[@jeffreybrunken556]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. My Dad followed these heroes as an armorer and mechanic with 325th Fighter Group (the “Checkertail Clan”) - an American unit that primarily supported British forces in North Africa and Italy. My Dad used to joke about the movie Casablanca and “the Casbah”. I had to get a bit older to understand that what he experienced in that region was rather different than the movie version. Like many veterans, his stories of the war tended to be light-hearted and evaded the more serious challenges he’d faced. My favorite accounts concerned the Italian prisoners on the air base. As the Allies turned the tables in North Africa, they were faced with a logistical challenge in caring for the plentiful Italian prisoners now in their custody. Airfields encompass considerable real estate and it occurred to the powers that were to house some number of Italians on my Dad’s base. According to my Dad, the Italians accepted their captivity graciously and soon became a welcome resource - taking over a number of domestic chores such as laundry. They were also very social - my Dad played chess with them regularly. Nevertheless, they were classified as “enemy combatants” and orders were that enlisted soldiers each took their turn “guarding” the prisoners. Guards were required to stand their posts with loaded rifles and fixed bayonets. This amused my Dad to no end. “The only possible use of those rifles”, he would say, “Would be in case someone decided to release those guys. They’d had it bad in the African campaign and things back in Italy weren’t very appealing, either. The only way you could have gotten them off the base would have been at gunpoint”. :D

[@kennyhagan5781]

It's more important than ever to remember these stories. Our political situation in the US is more perilous than at any time since the outbreak of the Civil War in the 1860s. Now, more than ever,we need to have examples to learn from. There's a reason that this is my favorite KZbin channel.

[@scullystie4389]

Thanks for keeping the memory alive, THG. Without eloquent and fair documentarians such as yourself, moments such as these might truly become forgotten by the masses. This Sailor wishes you and yours a happy Veteran's Day as well.

[@warrenny]

History Guy - love your delivery of these forgotten histories. A big network would be smart to tap you for a show about forgotten history of the world.

[@joebuchanan9563]

Thank you for an excellent presentation about this minor but important battle. But thank you so much more your tribute to veterans at the end. It rang truer and was more heartfelt than anything I have seen in a long, long time. MSgt. Buck Buchanan USAF (ret)

[@2424baja]

Always enjoy your snippets of history, this episode, Battle of Casablanca was excellent. Keep them coming.

[@slateslavens]

As a vet, _I thank you_ for calling our attention the forgotten moments, battles, and incidents of our past to commemorate our fallen brothers.Thank you,Spc. Berg, U.S. Army Son of a U.S Navy Chief Petty Officer,Grandson of one f the founding soldiers of the First Armored Division

[@spiffyspits3605]

😢😖Thank you so much for the enlightenment of Veterans Day . I didn't understand the important of the holiday until I watched your video. I appreciate it now. Thank you❣

[@MrWATCHthisWAY]

As a former US Navy P-3 A, B & C Aircraft Flight Engineer I would like to thank the US Tax Payer for providing me the opportunity to serve. I was given one hell of an education in several disciplines, higher mathematics, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, basics electronics, advanced electronics, survival schools, SERE training (certain people know this training) and I traveled the world two times. Then I received my GI Bill and earned my Mechanical Engineering degree from Drexel University because I served. My Naval education was far superior than my college education and my college was excellent. Thank you for letting me serve you even though our history is not perfect we CAN try for a better society if we listen to each other and slowdown the anger. Thank you from a Vet!

[@Mr3344555]

Amazing coverage! As a Moroccan, I'd like to thank our American savior's and above all friends for liberating us from the French who were Nazis. You also unknowingly pushed for us to become independent from Spain and France. Thank you. If you're looking for more History regarding that part of the world, there's an interesting battle called the battle of Ksar El-Kbir. It has a very interesting outcome! Keep up the impeccable work THG!

[@sagepup5725]

Thank you to all that has served and is serving, Happy veterans Day, I'm a Navy vet myself, and just a simple Thank you does so much good for old guys like me

[@tango6nf477]

Armistice day in Britain is a significant event each year with most cities, towns and even villages holding commemorations at the local memorial. I live not far from our National Memorial Arboretum near Burton upon Trent where they hold a very touching and emotional commemoration. Visiting there and viewing the memorials for everyone from Soldiers, Merchant Navy and Firemen to those children who were stillborn is emotional and makes you seriously think. I was doing this when I turned and there before me was a young man in a wheelchair minus an arm and a leg, wearing medals I assume were awarded for service in either or both Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm not an emotional person but I felt an overwhelming sadness but also immense respect for this young man and yes I wept and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

[@em1osmurf]

one gets that much-hackneyed phrase from all over, but, as a career retiree, your thank-you actually got my old eyes teary. very well done. and thank you.

[@cjmoore7240]

Cool Piece of History! God Bless All men and women that served and are serving! Happy Veteran's Day! KEEP ON ROCKING!

[@hankpoth9681]

As always an excellent story, and your welcome from the second of three generations of veterans!

[@elcastorgrande]

Thank you. This is history that deserves to be remembered.

[@PelenTan]

You're welcome, though no thanks are necessary. We do what we do because of who we are. And thank you for this piece. My friend and I were just discussing how so much real and important history gets left out of schools. Like so many videos you put out, this should not have even gotten close to being forgotten.

[@Seawizz203]

Another well done HG piece. I love your content and production. Professional quality done with a passion for history. Your love of the subject shines through in every video.

[@8278134038]

My father was a Navy pilot in Operation Torch and met my mother, a citizen of Casablanca, in early 1943 in Casablanca. They married in 1943 and she emmigrated to the US in June 1944 with my oldest brother. Before she died in 2012 I made an audio recording of her account of the invasion of Morocco and would be glad to provide you with a copy.

[@petetotaro9510]

My years in the U. S. Naval Avaition was a very proud time in my life knowing I was doing my duty! All the fellow sailers serving with me was a wonderful time knowing the squadron would be covering each other in the time of combat!

[@harrysharp3838]

In the movie, Captain Renault near the end angrily disposes of a bottle of Vichy water. I was ignorant of the politics and significance of this moment...until now. Thank you for educating me and especially for honoring and thanking veterans. My grandfather served in WWI and my father and uncles in WWII.

[@fnln544]

Lance, Thanks, History Guy. As an Army lieutenant colonel, blessings to you and Mrs. History Guy. I should've gotten a degree in history! Bachelor's in business and criminal justice, and a Master's in Divinity. But my heart is in history! Keith

[@waltking9141]

Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow American veterans and a blessed remembrance day to all the Commonwealth countries !!🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧🇦🇨🇦🇮🇦🇺🇨🇰🇮🇳🇫🇯🇵🇰🇿🇦🇹🇨🇹🇻🇹🇦🇯🇲

[@Schumanized]

Walt King 🇵🇷

[@waltking9141]

@@Schumanized Puerto Rico part of the United States Puerto Rican are citizens of the United States they serve in the US Military and the Puerto Rican national Guard is part of the US army Them!!!!😀😀🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Schumanized]

Walt King That's how you see it. We just don't.

[@waltking9141]

@@Schumanized I don't see nothing what I'm saying a fact and I live in Miami and I'm also Florida Army national Guard and there are a lot of Puerto Ricans that were in my unit not to mention that I had trained here in the US in Puerto Rico with their national Guard and serve 13 months in a little town call Fallujah in Iraq with Puerto Rican national guardsmen that's how you might see it but you don't speak for everyone from Puerto Rico!!!😀😀🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@kinglerxstbtpc]

For those who shall forget history are doomed to repeat it. Thank you for helping us to, hopefully, not repeat our mistakes.

[@ronfullerton3162]

How true! And here in the States they are not teaching as much history as we received fifty years ago. And we see the results of many following previous used paths. And thanks to that wonderful "great generation" if whom there are so few left. We have not only lost them, but their vision and outlook on life. We have the life we have today thanks to them.

[@juststeve5542]

@@ronfullerton3162 and we're seeing whining social media "stars" saying learning about the wars disturb modern students... Just count yourself lucky you weren't called up then ya little twerp!

[@juststeve5542]

@@martymethuselah I have no idea what you're talking about!

[@juststeve5542]

@@martymethuselah Nope, perfectly sober, and you're making no sense at all. Either explain what you are talking about, or go bother someone else.

[@juststeve5542]

@@martymethuselah Ah! I think you have revealed your greatest mistake. I'm not American.

[@Omegatonboom]

Thank you for YOUR service!

[@DennisSheaPRM]

You're welcome. Thanks for all you do

[@QurikyBark32919]

The battle of Casablanca is one of my favorites! Thank you!

[@avnrulz]

Happy Veterans day; found out this week a new co-worker served with my first Army buddy!

[@donfelipe7510]

Here is an interesting tale from this battle. I read about a Royal Navy Seafire (naval version of the Spitfire) who was flying fighter cover over Morocco during operation torch, specifically attacking a Vichy French held airfield. Out of the corner of his eye he saw he was being engaged by a French D.520 coming at him from almost 90 degrees to the side of him, then he heard a thud and his plane began juddering but kept flying. He returned to his aircraft carrier and realised his planes landing flaps were not working and neither was the radio however being an experienced pilot he managed to land his plane anyway. The carriers crew began to gather around his plane before he even got out of the cockpit but when he did he saw there was a huge hole in the side of his plane which was dripping battery acid from his radio communication set which was in tiny pieces. His plane had been hit by a 20mm cannon shell from the French fighter which apart from destroying his radio had also left only one control wire to his tail intact and had peppered the back of the armour plate behind his seat with shrapnel. The pilot had been extremely lucky and he later worked out that if the shell had hit milliseconds earlier it would have directly hit his cockpit and probably killed him outright. One of this pilots colleagues had been somewhat less fortunate, he had been shot down on the same raid and captured by the French soldiers on the ground, however the French surrendered the next day and so his spell as a prisoner of war was one of the shortest in history! On a side note the battleship Jean Bart was indeed put out of action despite stubborn resistance but what is questionable is the gunfire of USS Massachusetts which despite firing almost one-thousand shells at the French ship failed to silence her lone gun turret. I find these lesser known stories fascinating, I hope The History Guy has many many more to come.

[@korbell1089]

To be honest the French soldiers were in a bad spot, did they support the "legitimate" government of Vichy France or did they support liberating France from the German occupiers, and that was a decision each soldier had to face. And please don't thank me for my time in service, I held down the fort while our troops went to Granada, Panama, and ultimately went to Desert Storm, instead save your thanks for those who actually went into harms way.

[@Simonsvids]

To most Brits, and some French, that was an easy decision to make, but trust the archetypal French national character to turn it into a difficult one.

[@thibaudduhamel2581]

@@Simonsvids Explain, if you please, how that decision was easy to make.

[@Simonsvids]

@@thibaudduhamel2581 It's a gut feeling thing. You either do or you don't. It's all in the very nature of the person you are. Explanations and logical thinking does not come into it. That's all I can say. A bit like Brexit really.

[@Spacklatard]

Well someone has to be the remf.

[@just-dl]

korbell - can't do it! Thanks, Korbell for holding down the fort. And, for enlisting. When you signed up, you could've been sent anywhere. And you signed up anyway. Thank you for that. While I agree the soldiers on he firing line deserve the lion's share of gratitude, they also served who kept the rear line! All the best.

[@tomriley5790]

The story of the attack on Mers El Kebir/Oran is rather more complicated than described here - Drachenfil recently did a video on it.

[@13jhow]

Link here for the curious! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5LSmmZpi6Z0hZY

[@jackbelk8527]

Thank YOU for not forgetting the people that deserve to be remembered.

[@linnharamis1496]

Excellent segment. I’ve been studying WW2 history for 60 years end and I learned some facts about the Operation Torch I had never heard. Thank you👍

[@jayvee1947]

Thank you History Guy from this Navy veteran.

[@tonycantrell9547]

No Mr History Guy thank you, and people like you that give memory, humanity and worth to all soldiers and seamen of all nations past and present. For they may differ in politics and religions they all share their love of country, family and brothers in arms. Thank you sir.

[@MrEvanfriend]

In November of 1942, the Marines were also fighting on Guadalcanal - a much more significant campaign that, along with the battle of Midway, represented a turning point in the Pacific.

[@Phat737]

Most of the thanks that I hear for my service sound pro forma at best. Sometimes trite and insincere. Yours brought a tear to my eye. Bravo.

[@colinp2238]

The Kohima Epitaph says it all, "When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today." It would be a good topic to cover the Kohima battle, the turning point of the war in Asia in 1944.

[@davidmetts4294]

Outstanding story and expertly told.

[@DoudD]

Thanks for so many interesting and informative videos. Also, I am pleased, and grateful, that you always show reverence when the subject calls for it

[@thomascampbell4730]

You're welcome, though I think I can speak for most Vietnam era veterans; we didn't sacrifice for the American people, who all too often showed us their contempt. In the end we found that we ourselves were the only ones worth defending.

[@thomascostello259]

My father is a plank holder of the USS Massachusetts. A plank holder is a sailor who gets a ship from when she is laid down to when she gets decommissioned

[@John-ru5ud]

The Massachusetts went through WW II without sustaining a single combat fatality.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Brought penny's to school in the mid 60's to keep her from the scrapers, what an investment from a 7 year old!

[@slartybartfarst55]

A Truly Excellent Video, and the end piece truly emotive.

[@mikeclarke952]

Thank you to all the brave men and women who serve, served and those who paid the ultimate price there are no words. We will never forget.

[@f3xpmartian]

....And on November 12, the day after surrendering, everyone went to "Rick's Place" to have a few drinks and celebrate...